Showing posts with label resume tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label resume tips. Show all posts

Monday, February 6, 2023

How do Employers Verify a Degree?

Do you know exactly how, and more importantly why, employers verify their applicants’ degree, graduation, or other education?

This question was recently posted on a popular Q & A site and we decided to weigh in…

“How do employers check for degrees?”

“Verifying a degree / graduation is one of the easiest and most basic things checked by most employers. The best source for this information is to contact the university / school directly. Most records are held by either the Registrar department or, especially in the case of high schools, in the Guidance or Student Records department. If your only need is to verify the degree, and not a person’s full academic record, it is sometimes possible to verify that verbally. There are times when the information needs to be faxed or mailed and they will then require a nominal fee. 

However, if more in depth information is needed, or the institution has contracted with an outside verification service, you will have to follow that service’s steps in order to get the information you need. Oftentimes these services will require a fee to access the information and sometimes a signed release from the subject of the search is also needed (which you should always obtain before any background check anyway). No matter the method, verifying any degree, graduation, or professional certificate claimed by an applicant is key to making a sound hiring decision. Not only will it help assess their training, knowledge, and qualifications, it will also go a long way towards verifying an applicant’s honesty ~ and that is a goal of any good background check.”

You can find more answers to this question here!

Verifying an applicant’s education is a great first step in evaluating any prospective employee ~ and a good employer understands this.

Hiring someone who lies about their education or training can pose numerous problems for any business. 

It can lead to having an employee who is unqualified for the job. Or, if and when that lie is discovered, it can tarnish a company’s reputation with their clients, customers, and other businesses. 

Doing a simple Education verification check solves these problems.

“Education is one of the most frequently embellished ~ face it, lied about ~ items on a resume. The lie can range from the type of degree earned to whether a degree was even earned at all.

And if having a degree, especially a specific degree, is necessary to the job you are hiring for, then making sure your applicant indeed fills that requirement is good business.

For some jobs, having a degree may not be necessary. In that case companies are more concerned that their applicants have at least earned their high school diplomas or a GED.

Either way, it is important that you take the time to verify that the education listed by your applicant is true.

It should be the first step in making sure they have the training your position needs”.

Find out more about why businesses need to verify an applicant’s education and what they will find in “Hiring? Why You need to verify their Degree First”!

It is clear that doing an education verification before making any new hire is in a company’s best interests. But it is equally as important for anyone looking for a job to realize that any resume lie can, and often will, come back to haunt them.

Those lies can not only keep you from getting hired in the first place, but when discovered, can lead to getting fired and ruining your reputation.

Anyone looking for a job needs to be aware that Background Checks are the norm, not the exception.

“Be assured, employers are checking. Verifying the information on your resume is common practice and part of most company’s hiring processes. Investigating your education, past employments, and skills top the list. 

It is time to take note ~when your resume lies are uncovered during the hiring process, you lose.  

And, if discovered later, you could face not only the embarrassment of getting fired, but also the possibility of public humiliation”.

When it comes to Resume Lies that will keep you from getting hired or can result in you being fired, “lying about your degree or skills tops the list”. 

Employers fear hiring someone who is unable or unsafe to do the job. That is why it is important that at least the basic skills and training you list are truthful.

Lying on your resume is seen as a mark against your honesty. 

Employers want to hire someone they can trust. If their first impression of you is one of deception, then your chances of getting hired are slim

Discover more about the dangers of lying on your resume in “Employers Share ~ Lie on your Resume and You Lose!".

So, whether you are an employer looking to make a new hire or an applicant hoping to land the perfect new job, checking an applicant’s qualifications first should always be part of the process. Preparing for this important step long beforehand is the key.

Are you ready or do you have any questions? Contact API Today, we are here to help!


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Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Our Top Articles of 2022

Once again it is the time when we share our most popular articles from the past year! 

We love knowing which posts resonated with you, our readers, and which just didn’t catch on.

As in years past, our top blog posts centered around Your Job Search and the Employment Background Check, for both those looking for a job and those hiring!

Let’s get started…

Our first popular post centered on your resume and what information will help or hurt your job search.

The question is this…Will unpaid work experience cause a problem in the employer verification part of your background check?

"Unpaid, volunteer, or intern type positions are great additions to any resume ~ especially when they yielded skills or experience that can translate to your career! Including them will not cause any issues when it comes to the employment background check unless you try to pass them off as Paid Positions. That would send off a bright red flag! However, including them as unpaid references will help you as long as when contacted, they have something nice to say. That is why I recommend that you contact any reference long before you list them on your resume. Give them a “heads up” that they may be contacted and ask them if they are willing to give you a good reference. Even finding out in advance what information past employers will give to potential employers or screening companies is in your best interest. This way you will be prepared as to what an employment background check will find!”.

Instead of feeling angst when you apply for any job, your best bet is to be prepared. And it all starts with your resume!

Making sure your resume is completely truthful is the best start. The key is to make sure all your information is clear and accurate, and following these 6 tips will help!

  1. Make sure your resume is “clean”
  2. Make sure you never list a degree you haven’t earned
  3. Make sure all past employments are accurate
  4. Make sure you know what your past employers will say about you
  5. Make sure you can mitigate any employment “gaps”
  6. Make sure you have done a background check on yourself first

Check out more tips on how you can optimize your resume to help you get the job here!

Our next top article explored what past employers can really say about you during the background check.

Do you really know what a former employer will say about you?

"Employers can choose to reveal anything about you, your work performance, and even reason for leaving as long as it is the truth! However, that doesn’t mean that they will! 

Due to fear of litigation, many employers choose to only verify a former employee’s dates and title of employment. Some will also share whether that person is eligible for rehire. But what they will share is all dependent upon company policy and is not necessarily consistent company to company. 

However, a good background check professional will check and develop references to “fill in the gaps”. That means they will question not only the references listed by an applicant, but also ask those references for another source they could contact who has knowledge about the applicant’s work history and job performance. 

The best thing any job applicant can do is to know beforehand what a former employer will say about them and choose their references wisely. 

And both of these can be accomplished by doing a background check on themselves long before they ever apply for a job”.

So, what can you do to give yourself a heads up on what past employers will share?

Do a little research! Find out the laws in your state and locality governing employer background check guidelines, along with any state and locality where you may have worked!

But despite “best practices” and legal regulations, can you really be 100% sure that you know what a former employer will say about you? That is why your best course of action is to take the time to do a Background Check on yourself first!

Check out the entire article here to learn more about the steps you can take to not only know in advance what a former employer will reveal about you but to also choose the best references in the first place!

In “Can You Edit Your Background Check”, we delved into the question of whether there is any way to change what is found on your employment background check report.

Is it possible to “edit” or change your background check report?

“If you mean can you question or dispute any of the findings contained in a background check, then the answer is Yes. It doesn’t matter whether the investigating company is HireRight or another screening service, you have the right to dispute the findings contained in that check.

However, you cannot simply “edit” that report yourself. If you find that your background check report contains errors, you need to immediately inform the employer that the report has errors. In fact, it is your right to not only dispute the findings but have the chance prove the findings are false or provide information to mitigate them.

So, while you cannot simply “edit” a background check, you have every right to refute the findings and have the chance to prove they are in error”

Find out what you can do before you even apply for a job to make sure your background check will help you get hired, not hurt you by checking out the entire article!

Our next popular post centered on how your social media posts can impact your Job Search.

“Do you post on Social Media? Could what you post be considered “controversial”? Then you need to read this…

What you post online can effect you, your job, and even your family.

That is why you need to understand the potential ramifications of what you post online and learn what you can do to mitigate your exposure.

First you should recognize that nothing you share on Social Media is ever really private!

It is also important that you realize that what you post can impact your Job Search, future promotions, and even your educational goals.

Learn more about how your Social Media posts can impact your Job Search here!

Our final top article of the past year focused on Hiring in a Small Business and the importance of using employment background checks to protect you, your company, and your bottom line!

“It is not easy to find the right employee, especially for a Small Business!

Hiring someone with the right skills, experience, and “fit” is, of course, essential. They need to not only be able to do the job, but to do it well.

But finding that talented candidate is not enough. They also need to be a safe and reliable hire. One that will not jeopardize the safety of your company’s existing employees, your customers, or your assets. 

And the key to accomplishing this goal is by doing a sound Employment Background Check!

When you screen your potential new hires, you are not only making a cost-effective and sound business decision, you are protecting your business reputation. And here are 4 reasons why......

  1. Small Businesses have limited budget for hiring and training
  2. The more “intimate setting” of a Small Business requires safer hires
  3. Background Checks help Small Businesses avoid litigation
  4. Small Businesses rely heavily on their reputation

Discover more about how Employment Background checks will help your business hire safely and effectively and how to get the quality checks you need here!”

That rounds out our Top Blog Articles list for this year. We would like to take a moment and thank our readers. We appreciate you taking the time to check out what we have to say and welcome your comments and ideas. 

To that end, please share what topics you would like to see covered in this new year. Would would love to hear from you! And if you haven’t already, be sure to Follow our Blog so you don’t miss an article!


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Monday, August 1, 2022

Can You “Edit” your Background Check?

Is it possible to “edit” or change your background check report?

This question was recently asked on a popular Q & A site and it got us thinking.

Do people really think they can change the results of a background check report to either make it more “favorable” or correct any errors?

So we decided to weigh in, and here is our answer…

“If you mean can you question or dispute any of the findings contained in a background check, then the answer is Yes. It doesn’t matter whether the investigating company is HireRight or another screening service, you have the right to dispute the findings contained in that check.

However, you cannot simply “edit” that report yourself. If you find that your background check report contains errors, you need to immediately inform the employer that the report has errors. In fact, it is your right to not only dispute the findings but have the chance prove the findings are false or provide information to mitigate them.

The FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) requires employers to follow a specific process when they are confronted with information that might negatively impact their hiring decision.

Before making a final decision, Employers must:

Notify you, in writing, that negative information was found during your background check.

Provide you with a copy of the background check report, including contact information for the company that provided the report.

Provide you with a copy of “A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act”.

Allow you a minimum of 5 business days to provide proof that the information found is in error or mitigate the findings with additional information.

So, while you cannot simply “edit” a background check, you have every right to refute the findings and have the chance to prove they are in error”.

The fact is that, unfortunately, background check errors do happen! 

Job seekers can find themselves confronted with misinformation found in their background checks. They are then forced to prove not only that the findings wrong, but also to keep these errors from popping up again. This can be stressful and hard to do.

It is simply not possible for you to go in and “edit” or alter any information contained in your report after the fact. And while 

So, if you are looking for a job, or even being offered a promotion, it is best that you learn how to tackle this potential issue head on. And while it is your right to dispute and “fix” any errors in your background check, the better course of action is to be pro-active instead!

Be Proactive! Check your Background Check report for errors before you apply for any job!

“The best way is to Do a Background Check on Yourself before you ever even start your job search!

Hiring delays are never in your or an employer’s best interest. The wait keeps you both in limbo. You are stalled in your job search and the employer is unable to hire for the position they need. 

Taking the time before you apply to make sure that any information “out there” about you is factual simply makes sense for you both!

It will prevent you from being unduly surprised and allow the employer to more quickly get the information they need to make an informed hiring decision. 

By pre-doing a background check on yourself, you will be able to see exactly what an employment background check will uncover and give you the opportunity to double check the results and see if they are accurate”.

Once you receive your report, it is essential that you check it for any and all errors. 

Possible errors may include:

  • Misspellings of your name
  • Incorrect or Missing Date of Birth
  • Missing or Incorrect Social Security Number
  • Incorrect Past Addresses
  • Criminal Charges attributed to you in error

If you find any discrepancies, then now is the time to fix them….and here is where you need to have proof.

This proof should include:

  • Documents listing your legal name
  • A full list of your past addresses and your dates of residence at each
  • If incorrect criminal history is found ~ obtain a copy of the record directly from the court and find out how you can get any errors corrected
  • If education /degree history is in error ~ contact the school/university directly to get the record corrected and obtain a report from them that shows your updated/corrected information

And then make sure that your resume is “Background Check Ready” moving forward. Find out more in “Errors in your Background Check Report? Find out what You need to do Now”!

Background Check errors do occur. That is why your best bet is to know what is “out there” about you and fix any problems before you even apply for any new job or promotion.

Not only will it save you unnecessary worry and frustration, it will increase the chances of getting the job!


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Monday, June 27, 2022

Do You really know what a former Employer will say about You?

Do you really know what a former employer will say about you? 

While some may know exactly what information a former or current employer will share, many are most likely not sure.

So, when this question was posed on Quora.com, we decided to weigh in!

"Employers can choose to reveal anything about you, your work performance, and even reason for leaving as long as it is the truth! However, that doesn’t mean that they will! Due to fear of litigation, many employers choose to only verify a former employee’s dates and title of employment. Some will also share whether that person is eligible for rehire. But what they will share is all dependent upon company policy and is not necessarily consistent company to company. However, a good background check professional will check and develop references to “fill in the gaps”. That means they will question not only the references listed by an applicant, but also ask those references for another source they could contact who has knowledge about the applicant’s work history and job performance. The best thing any job applicant can do is to know beforehand what a former employer will say about them and choose their references wisely. And both of these can be accomplished by doing a background check on themselves long before they ever apply for a job".

Check out other answers to this question here!

While our answer is accurate, it only went so far. There is much more you should know and consider when it comes to what a company representative can or will say concerning your employment.

Some states and localities actually have statutes addressing this issue, while others do not. And even among areas that have regulations the guidelines can vary.

However, there is some information that past employers commonly reveal. These are your start and finish dates and your job title. For a growing number of companies, this is the extent of the information they will provide. Some others may also include your reason for leaving and whether you are eligible for rehire.

Many states have regulations that outline the information a previous employer can reveal. These may cover things like requiring a signed release or limiting the information provided. In some instances, employers that follow these guidelines are then protected from being sued for defamation.

Then there are also states and localities that have no limitations at all or where information can only be provided to certain types of businesses ~ hospitals, home health agencies, banks, public utilities, transportation companies, and contractors.

So, what can you do to give yourself a heads up on what past employers will share?

Do a little research! Find out the laws in your state and locality governing employer background check guidelines, along with any state and locality where you may have worked!

But despite “best practices” and legal regulations, can you really be 100% sure that you know what a former employer will say about you? That is why your best course of action is to take the time to do a Background Check on yourself first!

Discover how here!

But taking these steps is only part of it. You also need to be ready with a great list of contacts and references for each position you have held, and know how to choose those sources wisely!

Many companies will ask for a list of references and/or supervisor names to verify your employment and even act as a general source to speak to your character. It is important for you to create this list carefully. 

Don’t fall prey to one of the biggest mistakes a job seeker can make ~ listing your former employers, supervisors, or professors as references without asking them first!

This simple step can save you from the embarrassment of a less-than-stellar recommendation and give your references a most welcome heads up.

In fact, this common courtesy can greatly increase your chances of getting the job.  

7 Tips for getting the Best References

Make a ListTake a look at your resume and for each employer, list your managers, supervisors, and even relevant co-workers. Include any internships or volunteer positions you may have had as these can be great sources.

Check it Twice ~ take a hard look at who you listed. Keep those that know you and your work well, and eliminate the others. Strive to have 2 or 3 quality references for each of your jobs listed.

Spread the Word ~ Get in touch with each of the people you plan to list as a reference to see if they are willing to help you. It at all possible, go see them in person or phone them. Rely on email only as a last resort.

Fill in the Details ~ Once you have your final list, it is time fill them in on the details.  Make sure they know the job you are seeking and with what company. It is also helpful to give them a quick rundown of the skills they are looking for in the job description.

Do a Double Check ~ Make sure that you have up to date contact information for each of your references. Confirm their current company and job title. Also be sure to ask them the best way to reach them ~ at work, on their cell ~ and list that as the main contact number.

The Final Draft ~ create your stellar reference list. Include all pertinent information for each reference ~ name, company & title, contact number and email. It is also good to list the dates you worked with them and where.

A Thank You goes a Long Way ~ Sending a thank you note to your references is a great way to show them your appreciation, and to let them know if you landed the job. Even if you were not successful, this little gesture will ensure their help as you continue your job search. 

Learn more about each of these tips and making the most of your references here!

So, if you wonder what a former employer can or will say about you, your best course of action is to do your homework and find out long before you ever apply for a job. Contacting them directly and choosing your sources and references carefully will not only give you peace of mind it will increase your chances of landing the job. 


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Monday, June 6, 2022

Steps You should take Now to find your first “Real Job”!

This is the time of year when graduates are hitting the job market. Whether it is from high school, college, or even a great trade school, they all have one thing in common ~ they are ready for their first “Real Job”!

The question now is how and where do you begin?

The short answer is this ~ do your research, don’t forget to network, and be ready to “sell” yourself!

The key is to approach finding a job much like you did getting ready for exams. Preparation, studying, and a great mind set are what will get you through.

And it all starts with following these tips ~

Make sure your Resume is “Background Check Ready”. The majority of employers will do some type of background check before making their hiring decision. There is simply no point in applying for any job until all the information listed in your resume is accurate and contains no “red flags”. 

You need to:

  • Make sure your resume is “clean”
  • Never list a degree, diploma, or certification you haven’t earned
  • make sure all past employments are accurate
  • Know in advance what your past employers / references will say about you
  • Be ready to mitigate any employment “gaps” or inaccuracies
  • Do a background check on yourself first

Remember, the key to any good resume is to make sure it is first and foremost a way to market You to your new employer. And starting with any kind of discrepancies is not the way to go!

Learn more in “Tips to Help you get your resume background check ready”!

Create Your Professional Online Presence and Clean Up your existing Profiles Are you on LinkedIn? This social network is a must for creating a professional persona. Create a profile that is not simply a list of your credentials. Make it interesting! Put the focus on sharing “you”, what makes you unique, and what drives you (there are a lot of great tips out there to make your LI profile shine). 

Now check out your existing social profiles. Take the time to give them a good, hard look and remove anything questionable that could result in a bad impression of you.   

Asking yourself these questions BEFORE you post anything online is the wise way to go.

  • What do your Social Profiles say about You?
  • Do they show you in a good light?
  • Have you shared things you are not proud of?
  • Do they highlight the best things about you?
  • Would You be Proud to Share Them?

Remember, what you post online can impact your job search. Learn more in “Discover how your Social Media Posts can keep you from getting the Job You Want”.

Bottom line, employers are bound to look! So make sure your social profiles are up to par!

Focus Your Job search - but not too narrowly! Only applying for jobs that fit you exactly, or throwing your net too wide, is not the way to get the job you want.

Instead, create a job search strategy that keeps in mind your goals, skills, and interests. No one job may fit them all. But, as long as you are focused on finding something where you can explore your interests and where you can contribute, you will be adding something valuable to your professional work experience. 

Use Your Connections You may not think you have any, but think again. Did you have any summer jobs or internships? A former supervisor might be the perfect person to help you meet someone who can help you find a job.  

How about reaching out to your family or friends? Let them know you are looking to start your career and they may have some suggestions.

And don’t forget your university’s Alumni network. Many universities forge strong connections among their Alumni. Join and stay active.  

Use your College’s Resources Does your university have a career center? Check it out! You will find a variety of resources that will help you with your resume and job search. Many universities also host job fairs. This is a great way to check out many different companies at once.

Don’t be afraid to get out and network!  

Seek out local professional associations and attend networking events. Be ready to tell people what you do (or want to do) and what you have done to get yourself ready. But don’t forget to listen first! Going in with a pitch without showing a genuine interest in others will put people off.

Research Companies Before You Apply Do your homework. Check out their company website. Make sure you understand the company “brand”, how they started, and what they do. Find them on LinkedIn and other social networks. 

They will be screening you, and you need to screen them in much the same way. Any information you find will also help you prepare for your interview. Learning all you can about your target companies just makes sense.

Pay Attention to Application “Rules” Many jobs you apply for will require online applications. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully ~ remember, this will often be your first impression!

But no matter what method they use to collect their applications, in all cases you need to pay close attention to neatness, spelling, clarity, and legibility. Losing out on a possible interview due to sloppiness or an incomplete application will not get you the interview you need.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Thank You If you are lucky enough to be called in for an interview, then you know that they are at least interested in what they have seen on your resume/application. The interview will simply be the next step in finding out if you are a good fit. This is where your company research will come in handy.

Be sure to be ready with tangible examples of problems you have solved, what you have learned, and why you want to work for them.  Making sure they understand what you will bring to their company is important.

But no matter how well the interview went, it can all be erased unless you remember the Power of a Thank You!

Not only should you thank them in person on the day of the interview, you need to follow up with a thank you email to anyone you met with throughout the day.

Be sure to express your thanks to them for taking the time to meet with you. It is also a good idea to personalize each thank you with any specifics you may have discussed during your interview. Making them more “personal” can go a long way in making a good impression.

Consider Continuing Your Education (Grad School), Taking an Internship, or Volunteering. If you are still not getting anywhere in finding a job, then you may have to consider some alternatives.

If you believe grad school is in your future, then take a look at some programs that will further your professional skills. In fact, it is sometimes easier to simply continue on and complete the education you need before getting a job. You are still comfortable with studying, exams, and all the other things that go along with going to school. 

And if you haven’t already had an internship, it is not too late to find one. This can be a great way to increase your “real world” skills and extend your connections.

Do You Volunteer? Now can be the perfect time to start. Not only will it make you more invested in your community, it is a valuable addition to any resume.

Be Patient Don’t get discouraged. It will take time to land your first job, or even to get an interview. This is not a reflection on you. Just stay focused on being positive.

Most new grads and job seekers will apply for dozens of jobs and many will never even receive a response. Remember, everyone goes through it and we all had to start somewhere.

Check out “Attention New Grads ~ What you need to do to land your first job!” to find information on how to best accomplish your goals!

It takes work to find a good job and how you approach that search can make all the difference. Doing everything you can before you even apply to prepare yourself is key!


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Sunday, March 20, 2022

Will Unpaid Work Experience Hinder your Job Search?

Will unpaid work experience cause a problem in the employer verification part of my background check?

This was asked recently on the popular Q & A site, Quora and we were intrigued. So many job seekers have questions and concerns when it comes to optimizing their resume and preparing for the employment background check. Since alleviating those worries is part of our mission, we wanted to weigh in with our perspective and advice.

Here is our answer ~ 

"Unpaid, volunteer, or intern type positions are great additions to any resume ~ especially when they yielded skills or experience that can translate to your career! Including them will not cause any issues when it comes to the employment background check unless you try to pass them off as Paid Positions. That would send off a bright red flag! However, including them as unpaid references will help you as long as when contacted, they have something nice to say. That is why I recommend that you contact any reference long before you list them on your resume. Give them a “heads up” that they may be contacted and ask them if they are willing to give you a good reference. Even finding out in advance what information past employers will give to potential employers or screening companies is in your best interest. This way you will be prepared as to what an employment background check will find!".

Discover more answers to this question here!

Instead of feeling angst when you apply for any job, your best bet is to be prepared. And it all starts with your resume!

“When you are in the midst of a job search, one thing you can count on is that some type of background check will be part of the equation.

Most employers will check to see if you have the education, skills, and past experience needed for the job ~ and your resume will most likely be your first introduction.

Job Seekers Take Note ~  It is vital that Your Resume be “Background Check Ready”! 

Making sure your resume is completely truthful is the best start. The key is to make sure all your information is clear and accurate, and following these 6 tips will help!

  1. Make sure your resume is “clean”
  2. Make sure you never list a degree you haven’t earned
  3. Make sure all past employments are accurate
  4. Make sure you know what your past employers will say about you
  5. Make sure you can mitigate any employment “gaps”
  6. Make sure you have done a background check on yourself first

You can find out more about how to accomplish these 6 goals in “Tips to Help You get Your Resume ‘Background Check Ready’!”.

It is also a smart move to contact anyone you are listing as a reference long before you add them to your resume! This includes past employers and anyone else you list, or who may be contacted, to serve as a reference.

Knowing in advance the information that will be provided to potential employers is key.

Do You know what Your References will say about You? 

Don’t fall prey to one of the biggest mistakes a job seeker can make ~ listing your former employers, supervisors, or professors as references without asking them and knowing what they will say first!

This simple step can save you from the embarrassment of a less-than-stellar recommendation and give your references a most welcome heads up.

In fact, this common courtesy can greatly increase your chances of getting the job.  

Your references will have had the opportunity to gather their thoughts beforehand and will not be caught off guard ~ giving you the best chance of your references working for you instead of against you.

When references are contacted unaware, they often stumble. Dates and titles elude them. Specific projects you may have worked on or tasks you lead are unmentioned. This can lead to an unimpressive reference report.”

7 steps you should follow for getting the most out of your references ~

  1. Make a List
  2. Check it twice
  3. Spread the Word
  4. Fill in the Details
  5. Do a Double Check
  6. The Final Draft
  7. A Thank You goes a long way

While not all potential employers will ask for a list of references, if you follow these tips you will be ready if they do! Find out more about how you can make each of these suggestions work for you here!

But the most important resume tip of all is this ~ Do a Background Check on Yourself before you ever start your Job Search!

Have You ever Considered Doing a Background Check on Yourself?

There are many reasons why you may want to know what is "out there" about you. You may be considering college or buying a home. You may even want to volunteer at your child's school. But the most common reason by far is when you are thinking about applying for a job or trying to get a promotion.

The question then becomes, How and When do you do it?

Many employers use Background Checks as part of their hiring process. Most of these employers are looking for past criminal histories and validation of your employment and education claims. Some also do searches on driving records and social media presence.

Do you know what they will find?

Your best defense is a sound offense. Before you apply for any job, you will probably update your resume, research the company where you are applying – all in the hope of putting your best foot forward. Why not add a Background Check to that list?

Discover how doing a Background check on yourself, with help from a qualified screening company, will help you get the job here!

Being prepared before you start your job search is key. Knowing what is “out there” about you, fine tuning your resume to reflect your skills and accomplishments, and choosing the right references can make all the difference in whether you get hired or not.

So, the time to start is now! Need help? Contact API today. We can answer your questions and help you get ready for your job search.


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Check out these links to learn more About Us and Our Background Check and Job Search Services.

Find out what Our Happy Clients have to say too! 

Sunday, March 28, 2021

What should You do if your college doesn’t respond to a Verification Request?

 
What would you do…..

You’ve been offered the job. After seemingly endless months of submitting your resume and rounds of interviews, you finally see an end in sight. Only one step remains, and that step is for you to pass the employment background check.

Everything seems to be going well until your screening hits a roadblock ~ your hard earned degree can’t be verified! Of course you know you graduated, so what can possibly be the problem? 

In an attempt to get your screening back on track, you reach out to your contact. And what do you find? You learn that the university has simply not answered their query.

So, what can you do?

This question was posed to us on Quora and this is our response:

"If a university, college, or other educational institution does not respond to a request for a verification, you do have some options. First, you can contact the institution yourself for an explanation. It may be that they require a signed authorization permitting them to release this information. Or, and this has happened, they refuse to release information due to an unpaid bill (even a library fine). No matter what the reason, finding out first hand can go a long way towards remedying it. If you get no satisfaction through the institution itself, which is unlikely, another step you can take is to provide your own verifying information. Official copies of your transcript, diploma, etc. might be acceptable to a potential employer. However, the best step of all is to know before you even apply for a job if there will be any “glitches” during the background check. That means contacting the university, high school, trade school, etc. where you claim a degree or certification to find out what information they have on file and what they will provide to a potential employer. Address and fix any issues that arise. You should do the same with your past employments and even your criminal history. The idea is to not be confronted with any “red flags” when you are looking for your next job. Good luck!"

You can find more answers to this question here!

Hitting Roadblocks in your Employment Background Check? That’s why you need to screen yourself first! “Tweet This”!

Encountering road blocks during your background check is undoubtedly frustrating. But the reality is that they do happen.

Your best bet is to be prepared first. And that means doing a background check on yourself first, creating a “background check ready” resume, and, above all, being honest every step of the way!

Have You ever Considered Doing a Background Check on Yourself?

There are many reasons why you may want to know what is "out there" about you. You may be considering college or buying a home. You may even want to volunteer at your child's school. But the most common reason by far is when you are thinking about applying for a job or trying to get a promotion.

The question then becomes, How?

Many employers use Background Checks as part of their hiring process. Most of these employers are looking for past criminal histories and validation of your employment and education claims. Some also do searches on driving records and social media presence.

Do you know what they will find?

Your best defense is a sound offense. Before you apply for any job, you will probably update your resume, research the company where you are applying – all in the hope of putting your best foot forward. Why not add a Background Check to that list?

Your background check should include the following:

  • Criminal History check
  • Education verification
  • Employment history
  • Driving history
  • Internet Search

Learn more in “Why, When, and How You should run a Background Check on Yourself!”.

Once you know what a background check will find, your next step is to make sure your resume is in complete alignment with that information….and these tips will help!

5 Rules you should follow to make your resume background check ready:

  1. Make sure your resume is “clean”
  2. Never list a degree you haven’t earned
  3. Make sure all employments listed are accurate
  4. Know what your past employers will say about you
  5. Be ready to mitigate any employment gaps or inaccuracies

Learn more about how you can use these steps to create your perfect resume here!

But no matter how much prep work you do, the most important thing when it comes to applying for and landing a job is that, above all, you are honest.

When your resume lies are uncovered during the hiring process, you lose. And, if discovered later, you could face not only the embarrassment of getting fired, but also the possibility of public humiliation.

Employers are understandably wary. Making a new hire, or promoting an existing hire, is a big deal. It costs money and time. And every employee is a reflection back on the company’s image and brand. No company wants the employer/employee relationship to begin with a lie.

These are the Top 5 Resume Lies that can keep you from getting the job:

  1. skills and responsibilities
  2. degree / diploma
  3. dates of employment
  4. job title
  5. past employers

You may think these are simply “little embellishments” or “close to the truth”, but no matter how you look at them, they are still lies.  And employers take notice!

Lying on your resume is never wise and it is often viewed as a mark against your honesty and integrity. 

Employers want to hire someone they can trust. If their first impression of you is one of deception, then your chances of getting hired are slim.

Discover more about the importance of honesty in your job search in “Employers Share ~ Lie on your Resume and You Lose”.

Preparing yourself for the inevitable employment background check is an important part of your job search. It should be given the same intensity and focus that you applied towards getting the education, training, and experience that now makes you a great candidate for the job.

And all it really takes is a little preparation before you apply! Good luck!


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Need help making sure your resume is “background check ready”? Contact Us Today! We can help you find the information you need to build a resume that will help you get the job you want!

Learn more About Us and our Background Check and Job Search services. Discover what our Happy Clients have to say too!